Akasa Air is set to scale up operations significantly in FY26, with a planned 30% increase in overall capacity, reflecting its ambition to emerge as a strong national alternative to IndiGo and Air India. The expansion will span both domestic and international routes, with around 25% of new capacity directed towards overseas markets.
Founded in 2022, Akasa currently operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, serving 23 domestic and five international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh. The airline aims to grow its fleet to 226 aircraft by 2032.
“We currently have 775 pilots, and all will be operational by year-end,” said Chief Financial Officer Ankur Goel. He added that with aircraft deliveries ramping up, the airline is well-positioned to meet rising demand.
Akasa’s international expansion is expected to focus on South-East Asia, amid broader growth in capacity to and from India-up 5% year-on-year in July-with added connectivity to Abu Dhabi, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The airline reported a 49% revenue increase in FY25, driven by growing capacity and improved utilisation. In Q1 FY26, revenue has continued to rise while unit costs have declined. FY25 saw a 13% rise in unit revenue and a 7% drop in non-fuel unit costs.
While a media report noted an 18% widening in net loss to ₹1,983 crore in FY25, Goel said the airline is on track to achieve operating profitability soon.
Akasa is also awaiting final government approval to close a ₹1,000 crore fundraise involving Azim Premji, Ranjan Pai, and 360ONE Asset.
